Building the BX24-AHT file:///f /LASER/build-it.htm (1 of 8) [03/04/2002 5:21:52 PM]
file:///f /LASER/build-it.htm (2 of 8) [03/04/2002 5:21:52 PM]
Tips & Tricks Use a 25W or smaller soldering iron with a pencil tip. While sockets are not required for the ICs, their use is advised as they allow for easy replacement and there is no need to apply soldering heat directly to the ICs. Square solder pads are used for Pin 1 of all connectors and ICs. For other, polarized components, square pads denote the positive terminal. For polarized capacitors, the longer lead is positive. For diodes, the band is the negative (cathode) side. The end opposite the band is the positive (anode) side. See the illustrations on the following page. To align the power connector (P1), toothpicks can be inserted in one or two mounting holes, alongside the terminal, to wedge it in place until one unwedged terminal is soldered. The voltage ratings for the electrolytic capacitors is a minimum rating. Capacitors with larger ratings are OK - those with lower ratings are not. There are "standard" values that usually cost less. The physical size of the capacitor may get too big if the voltage rating is too high. We designed for approximately 0.250 inch diameter capacitors with 0.100 inch lead spacings. The BX24-AHT can be powered by any +12VDC, 2.1mm, center positive wall transformer with an adequate current rating. Be sure to include possible options when sizing the transformer. 100mA is adequate for the BX-24 (20mA), RLP434-XXX (4.5mA MAX), the MAX232 and SN75176B ICs. The unused pins of the BX-24 can be connected as inputs or outputs. Each can source 10mA or sink 15mA with a maximum total for all output pins of 70mA. See the NetMedia BX-24 documentation for detailed specifications. See below for the various options. If used, the Fire-Stick II IR transmitter needs 60mA MAX. It can be powered from the +9V regulated supply for the BX-24. There are solder pads for +9V, GND, & Data to connect to the Fire-Stick II. There are also pads for +5V regulated for other devices. Use care that you do not exceed the ratings of the 7805T. The unregulated 12VDC supply is also routed to T1 (T1-3 & T1-4) and can be used to power future RS-485 network modules. NOTE: There is no fuse in this circuit - shorts in the RS-485 modules or wiring may damage the BX24-AHT printed circuit board. We advise using an inline fuse (in the lead to T1-4) for protection. If preferred, the BX24-AHT can be powered from T1-3 & T1-4 instead of by P1. If you decide to add an RF preamp between the antenna and the RF receiver, you might consider powering both it and the BX24-AHT with a regulated 12V wall transformer. Jameco has both 12V (#173198) and 15V (#139391) regulated supplies. OPTIONS: If the optional DS1921 is not used, pin 12 of the BX-24 can be used for Digital I/O. Use the solder pad normally used for the DS1921 which connects to pin 12 of the BX-24. If Serial Port 3 is not used, pins 9 & 10 of the BX-24 can be used for for digital I/O. Do not install the RS232 driver IC or socket and connect to the solder pads (at the driver location) that go to pins 9 & 10 of the BX-24. If Serial Port 2 is not used, pins 7 & 8 of the BX-24 can be used for for digital I/O. Cut the traces at the RS232 driver IC or socket and connect to the extra solder pads that are on pins 9 & 10 of the BX-24. If Serial Port 1 is not used, pins 5 & 6 of the BX-24 can be used for for digital I/O. Do not install the RS232 driver IC or socket and connect to the solder pads (at the driver location) that go to pins 5 & 6 of the BX-24. If the RS485 network is not used, pins 15, 16 & 17 of the BX-24 can be used for Digital I/O or for 10-bit, 0-5V ADC inputs. Do not install the RS485 driver IC or socket and connect to the pads (at the driver location) that go to pins 15, 16 & 17 of the BX-24. Pins 18 & 19 are available for Digital I/O or for 10-bit, 0-5V ADC inputs. There are solder pads at these BX-24 pins. file:///f /LASER/build-it.htm (3 of 8) [03/04/2002 5:21:52 PM]
Identifying & Locating Components file:///f /LASER/build-it.htm (4 of 8) [03/04/2002 5:21:52 PM]
BX24-AHT Recommended Construction Sequence S1 reset switch SIP1, SIP2 RF receiver socket (See Note 1) U2, U3 ICL232CPE TTL/RS232 Level Converter IC (or 16-pin DIP socket) U4 socket C12 U1 socket J1 P1 D1 C1 8-pin DIP for SN75176B RS485 Driver IC 0.1µF Monolithic capacitor 24-pin DIP for BX-24 board DB-9 2.1mm power connector 1N4004 (insulate positive lead) 47µF/50V electrolytic capacitor 7809 +9VDC 1.5A voltage regulator (heatsink towards J1) D2 C3 1N4004 (insulate positive lead) 47µF/50V electrolytic capacitor Connect +12V DC wall transformer to P1. Check for +9V on Pin 24 of the BX-24 pads (nearest S1). Disconnect wall transformer 7805 +5VDC 1.5A voltage regulator (heatsink towards C2) D3 C2 1N4004 (insulate negative lead) 47µF/50V electrolytic capacitor Connect +12V DC wall transformer to P1. Check for +5V at the five auxillary 5V pads near C2. Disconnect wall transformer. C4,C5,C6,C7, C8,C9,C10,C11 1µF/25V electrolytic capacitors J2 BNC connector (See Note 2) J3 T1 3x6P4C modular jack 6-position terminal strip Insert the BX-24 and other ICs into their sockets. NOTE 1: A future release will support moving the RF receiver to the RS485 network. We recommend socketing the receiver. NOTE 2: Spring the leads away from the body slightly so the mounting pins align properly. If you plan to move the RF receiver to the RS485 network, do not solder the mounting pins. file:///f /LASER/build-it.htm (5 of 8) [03/04/2002 5:21:52 PM]
BX24-AHT Components List ITEM Source Part Number Printed Circuit Board RF Receiver (US/Canada) RF Receiver (UK) RF Receiver (UK/Europe) RS-485 Driver IC 0.047" shrinkwrap 6' 6P4C-4P4C modular cable 6' DB9 M/F cable S1 J1 J2 J3 T1 P1 7805 7809 D1-D3 C1-C3 C4-C11 C12 SIP socket * 8-pin DIP socket (2) 16-pin DIP socket 24-pin DIP socket (2) RS-232 Driver IC BasicX-24 MCU board * Cut into two 4-pin SIPs Peter Anderson BX24-AHT-PCB EDV-310-R EDV-418-R EDV-434-R SN75176B SHRINK-047 6P4C-4P4C-MOD-6 DB9-M/F-6 101-0161 152-3409 523-31-5538-10-RFX 154-6413 651-1729160 163-5004 511-L7805ACV 511-L7809CV 625-1N4004 75-515D50V47 140-XRL25V1.0 75-1C10X7R104K050B 575-193108 571-26404634 571-26403584 571-3902621 570-ICL232CPE BX-24 The BX-24 is also available from NetMedia. URLs : http://www.myelectricdog.com : http://www.mouser.com Peter Anderson: http://www.phanderson.com NetMedia: http://www.basicx.com No License Required: The RF receiver subassembly modules do not require licensing when used in accordance with low power devices used for remote control applications per Part 15 Title 47 of FCC rules & regulations. For further information in the USA, please contact the FCC at: http://www.fcc.gov FOR USE OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.A. It is the responsibility of the end-user to be aware of the regulations, and requirements in their area of operation and application. Contact your local regulatory agency and obtain the necessary compliance information. file:///f /LASER/build-it.htm (6 of 8) [03/04/2002 5:21:52 PM]
Options Battery-backed RTC & Temperature Sensor Item Source Part Number R1 ibutton Clip Thermochron ibutton Dallas Semiconductor Dallas Semiconductor 299-4.7K DS9094F DS1921L-F52 Barometer Item Source Part Number Barometric Pressure Sensor Peter Anderson MPX4115A Infrared Transmitter Item Source Part Number IR Transmitter Reynolds Electronics Fire-Stick II URLs Dallas Semiconductor: http://www.ibutton.com/ibuttons/index.html Peter Anderson: http://www.phanderson.com Reynolds Electronics: http://www.rentron.com file:///f /LASER/build-it.htm (7 of 8) [03/04/2002 5:21:52 PM]
Tuning the RF Receiver Once you have constructed the BX24-AHT, connected the antenna, have it under power, and have downloaded the firmware, it is time to tune the RF receiver. For those using 418MHz or 433.92MHz, the receivers come from the factories pretuned and should need only a slight tweaking. In North America, those using 315MHz receivers will need to tune them to 310MHz. The green LED on the BX-24 will go out whenever the BX24-AHT is processing an RF code. You can use this feature to do coarse tuning. Clamp a button down on a palmpad or other RF remote and adjust the tuning capacitor (Ming RE-66) or tunable coil (most other receivers) until you see the LED light flicker off as it receives and processes RF codes. Keep the transmitter 5 to 6 feet from the receiver. Use a non-metallic screwdriver for the adjustments. If all you have is a metallic screwdriver, make small adjustments and remove the screwdriver (and your hands) from the area of the receiver to test after each adjustment. After the coarse tuning, you can fine tune the receiver by using the RF signal strength reported to the output window. Tune to maximize the number in the [brackets]. Repeat with the transmitter 20 feet or more away. Make small adjustments and move away from the receiver and out of the line of sight for the readings. If you are close to the receiver your body can affect reception. For the RLP434-315 receivers, our experience is that a 1/4T-1/2T CCW of the tuning screw will tune them from the 315MHz factory setting to approximately 310MHz. In most cases, the tuning screw will protrude from the plastic housing by about 1/64-1/32 inch. Since this procedure will tune the RF receiver to the specific transmitter used, you should use the transmitter that will normally get the most use or that will be furthest from the antenna. The initial tuning can be done using a 9 inch length of hookup wire as the antenna. Just insert it in the center of the BNC connector and leave it horizontal. Once you have connected a permanent antenna, tweak the tuning for maximum signal strength with a transmitter located 20 feet or more from the antenna and receiver. file:///f /LASER/build-it.htm (8 of 8) [03/04/2002 5:21:52 PM]